Awards for 116 High Street

Efforts to save an historic Boston building from certain destruction have been recognised with two awards.

Liz Bates hands the keys to the house over to David Close, chairman of the new owners, Lincolnshire Community Foundation

Boston Borough Council played its part in saving 116 High Street when it compulsorily purchased the property when its restoration was going to cost its owners more than the building was worth.

The Georgian Group has awarded a certificate of commendation to the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire and praised the decisive action taken by the borough council.

The Georgian Awards shortlisted the Grade II* 116 High Street in the category of a Georgian building in an urban setting.

Liz Bates, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire, and Mary Anderson, of Anderson and Glenn Conservation Architects, collected the certificate. The Georgian Group also recognised the skill and dedication of Heritage Lincolnshire, Mary Anderson and the professional team in delivering a conservation project of a high standard.

Liz said: "We are delighted that the Georgian Group has recognised the efforts of Heritage Lincolnshire and all of our project partners in saving this important historic building. The shortlisted projects demonstrated what can be achieved through the regeneration of historic buildings and we were honoured to be in such good company."

Mary added: "I have been involved in one way or another with this building since I first peeped in through the letter box about 20 years ago and saw a small lake at the bottom of the staircase! It was a great privilege to be able to specify the works to restore this building which I always knew would end up looking wonderful. We were very pleased with the end result and congratulate all those involved who worked so hard to save this important listed building which has such an interesting history relating to the story of Boston and its High Street."

The project also received a Heritage Angel award in August, recognising the tremendous time, effort and determination by Heritage Lincolnshire.

The project cost £2.4million and funding was received from English Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Fund, John P Getty Jnr Trust, Architectural Heritage Fund, Lincolnshire County Council and The Pilgrim Trust.

It was built for William Garfit II, probably in 1728, and was Boston's first bank, but it had remained disused and falling into dereliction since the 1970s.

The house has now been sold to the Lincolnshire Community Foundation by the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire and is a community hub, training centre, offers opportunities for new businesses to start up and provides a home for local charities, social enterprises and community groups.

Steve Lumb (left) Boston Borough Council's head of planning and strategy, Liz Bates and Cllr Peter Bedford, leader of the borough council, with the two certificates awarded for 116 High Street